ABC’s Dan Harris to Speak at Be Well SU Expo Sept. 30 About His Mindfulness Journey

The first-ever Be Well Expo, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30, in the Dome, will feature ABC News anchor and author Dan Harris as keynote speaker. Following Harris’ talk, there will be a wellness expo on the Dome floor that will include such interactive wellness activities as a rock climbing wall and therapy dogs. Doors open at 3 p.m.

The Be Well Expo is one of the new features of the First-Year Experience Initiative, aimed at introducing new students to mindfulness, as well as student organizations, resources and programs that promote well-being.

Dan Harris (ABC/ Ida Mae Astute)

The expo is one of three health and wellness requirements for new students. While launched as part of the First-Year Experience Initiative, the event is open to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff with valid SUID. Tickets are not required.

As the inaugural speaker, Harris will share his own experience discovering meditation after failing to find happiness through workaholism and substance abuse. He will explore the power and practicality of meditation, which he believes will be “the next public health revolution.” This ancient practice has been shown by modern science to boost resilience, focus, creativity, emotional intelligence, and overall mental and physical health. With meditation and mindfulness now being embraced by executives, athletes, educators and entertainers, Harris has become a leading voice for pushing for the practice into the mainstream.

Harris is an award-winning anchor, serving as a co-anchor for “Nightline” and the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” on ABC News, as well as host of ABC’s “500 Questions.” He is also the author of “10% Happier,” a #1 New York Times bestselling book about his personal experience. He brings years of experiences as a foreign correspondent, an investigative reporter and as a participant in some of the most fascinating and relevant conversations with celebrities, political figures, scientists and others.

For the event, students should enter at Gates E and F. Faculty and staff should use Gates A, B and C. Accessible entrances are located at Gates A and C.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided during Harris’ talk.